Zoey has no idea what it means to be normal. Everything she touches has a taste, and her father’s identity is a town secret. Her sisters have their own issues. While it's a struggle for Celeste to connect with the world, Ruby, who has a flair for the dramatic, doesn't worry about anything. Orphaned at birth, the fourteen-year-old triplets live with their aunt and mark seasons by the annual migration of captivating birds. Despite an almost idyllic childhood grounded in Aunt Flory's home-cooked food and family values, Zoey struggles with her identity in a community where the Starling family is the subject of gossip. But secrets run deep in the small town, and the triplets aren't the only ones with something to hide. Zoey soon discovers that the truth isn't obvious and different perspectives shape the world. It's always how you choose to look at things that matters most.

Bugs, Weeds, and Water is created by Evangeline Greene, an eGlobal Creative Publishing signed author.

Bugs, Weeds, and Water

By the first week of June, the leaves in the park had unfurled, tinging the sky green. Bird watching was more challenging as the numbers of new arrivals thinned and found easy cover in the swells of new foliage. As the temperature rose, the hum of insects hovered over the woods like an electrical field. The visitors to the campgrounds and beaches sprayed themselves generously with repellent and stayed close to the shore.


One warm afternoon, Aunt Flory and the girls sat out on the porch sipping lemonade while watching birds at the feeder. Ruby, restless from the heat, sat in the swing, humming softly to herself, Zoey dozing beside her.


A blue jay landed nearby, its raucous call shattering her calm. Zoey opened her eyes. Though finely dressed in blue and white checkered feathers, they were the street fighters in the yard and aggressively defended their territory. "Noisy bullies," Zoey complained.


Chapter 41